Medical Dictionary Definitions A-Z List

Medical Dictionary Definitions A - Z - «L»:

Lactobacillus acidophilusLactobacillus acidophilus: The bacteria found in milk and
fermented milk products, particularly yogurt with "live cultures" of
L. acidophilus. L. acidophilus assists with the digestive process
within the intestinal tract. It can be decimated by the use of
antibiotics, and many health professiona...

LactoseLactose: The sugar found in milk. Lactose is a large sugar molecule that is made up of two smaller sugar molecules, glucose and galactose. In order for lactose to be absorbed from the intestine and into the body, it must first be split into glucose and galactose. The glucose and galactose are then a...

Lactose intoleranceLactose intolerance: Inability to digest lactose, a
component of milk and most other dairy products. Lactose is sometimes
also used as an ingredient in other foods, so those with a lactase
deficiency should check labels carefully. The basis for this
condition is lack of an enzyme called lactase ...

LamarckismLamarckism: The theory of acquired characteristics put forth by Jean-Baptiste P.A. Lamarck (1744-1829), a French botanist, zoologist and biological philosopher.
According to Lamarck, evolution occurs because organisms can inherit traits acquired by their ancestors. Giraffes can only survive by eati...

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndromeLambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: An autoimmune disease characterized by weakness and fatigue of the proximal muscles (those near the trunk), particularly the muscles of the pelvic girdle (the pelvis and hips) and the thighs, with relative sparing of eye and respiratory muscles. Lambert-Eaton myast...

Lamin ALamin A: Abbreviated LMNA. A gene on chromosome 1 that encodes a protein which is a key component of the membrane surrounding the cell nucleus.
Mutations in the LMNA gene are responsible for a number of genetic disorders including:
Progeria syndrome,
Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy type 2,
Limb...

Lamin A/CLamin A/C: The lamin family of proteins that make up the nuclear lamina, a matrix of protein located next to the inner nuclear membrane. Also known as LMNA. Lamin proteins are involved in nuclear stability, chromatin structure and gene expression. There are two types of mammalian lamin, A and B. Thr...

LaminaLamina: A plate or layer. For example, the lamina
arcus
vertebrae, usually just called the lamina, are plates of
bone in each vertebral body....

LaminariaLaminaria: A small rod-shaped piece of dried seaweed; when placed within the cervix, a laminaria causes it to gradually dilate (widen). The species of seaweed serving this purpose is Laminaria digitata....

LaminectomyLaminectomy: A surgical procedure in which the posterior arch of a vertebra is removed. Laminectomy
is done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or on the nerve roots that emerge from the spinal canal. The
procedure may be used to treat a slipped or herniated disk or to treat spinal stenosis....